Sony SAT-A1 User Manual
Digital Satellite
Receiver
3-800-356-21 (1)
Operating Instructions
BEFORE USING YOUR DSS SYSTEM
YOU MUST ACTIVATE YOUR PROGRAMMING
SERVICE BY CALLING YOUR PROGRAM
PROVIDERS:
DIRECTV^
USSB
RF ANTENNA
The DSS receiver is shipped with IR reception
enabled and RF reception disabled. To use the
RF feature (and the antenna), you must change
the factory setting (IR ONLY) to the RF setting
(RFONLY) using the on-screen displays.
1-800-347-3288
1-800-204-8772
DIGITAL SATELLITE SYSTEM
SAT-A1
11995 by Sony Corporation
WARNING
Owner's Record
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to
the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage" within the product's enclosure that
may be of significant magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to
the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
Caution
To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized plug with an
extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless the blades can be
fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.
Note to the CATV Installer
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's
attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC that provides guidelines for
proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable
ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building
as close to the point of cable entry as practical.
Note to the DSS® Satellite Dish Installer
This reminder is provided to call the DSS satellite dish installer's
attention to Article 810 and in particular Article 810-15 of the NEC,
which covers proper installation and grounding of television
receiving equipment, as well as to Article 820-40 of the NEC,
which specifies that the satellite dish cable ground shall be
connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the
point of cable entry as practical.
Telephone Line Interruption
Periodically, information on your DirecTlcket and Pay-Per-View
selections is sent, free of charge, via your telephone line to an 800
number. During the time the information is being forwarded, you
cannot use your telephone and you will hear static noise for
approximately 30 seconds. If you would like to use your telephone
while the information is being sent, you can interrupt the sending
of this information at any time by unplugging the phone line to
the receiver.
The model and serial numbers are located on the back of
the receiver. The number for the access card is on the front
of the card and on the carton label. Record these numbers
in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers
whenever you need to call your sales or service
representative regarding this product.
Model Number: SAT-A1
Serial Number:
Access Card Number:_______________________________________
_____________________________________________
Customer Support
For DSS Programming
For subscription information, or to resolve problems
related to DSS programming, call:
DIRECTV® at 1-800-DIRECTV (347-3288) or
USSB at 1-800-204-USSB (8772).
For DSS Hardware and Installation
To arrange for the installation of your DSS system, call the
dealer from whom you purchased your system.
For general information, or to resolve problems related to
the operation of your satellite receiver or antenna, please
contact your Sony brand DSS dealer. If your dealer or
installer is unable to answer your questions, call the Sony
DSS Customer Support line at 1-800-838-7669.
Trademark and Copyrights
Express Na\’igator is a trademark of Sony Corporation. DIRECTV
and DSS are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of
Hughes Electronics. USSB and USSB Entertainment Plus are
official service marks of the United States Satellite Broadcasting
Company, Inc. HBO is a registered trademark of Time Warner
Entertainment Company, L.P. Showtime is a service mark of
Showtime. MTV: Music Television is a registered trademark of
MTV Netw’orks, a division of Viacom International Inc. Comedy
Central is a registered trademark of Comedy Partners.
Macrovision Information
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is
protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights.
Use of this copyright protection technology is granted by
Macrovision for home and other limited DSS IRD pay-per-view
uses only. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
Note on Recording Programming
Programming may be taped for home viewing only. All other
taping is expressly prohibited. Some programming may not be
taped. An additional taping fee may be applied. Call your
program providers for details.
StarSight Licensed
The manufacture and sale of the television schedule feature of this
product was licensed under one or more of the following patents
of StarSight Telecast, Inc.: U.S. Patent Nos. 4,706,121; 4,977,455;
5,151,789; and 5,353,121; with use rights reserved.
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Introducing the DSS System
5 DSS Features
6 Unpacking
7 Inserting Batteries into the Remote Control
Using Basic Functions
10 Using the Master Guide
11 Using the Station Index
Connecting Your System
13 Overview
14 TV Only
16 TV and VCR
18 Hi-Fi TV, Hi-Fi VCR, Audio Receiver
20 Home Entertainment System
(Hi-Fi TV, Hi-Fi VCR, Audio/Video Receiver)
22 Setting Up the RF Antenna
23 Setting Up Your DSS System
Chapter 4
Using the System Features
25 Overview
26 Before You Get Started ...
27 Using the On-Screen Displays: Highlight and Select
28 Displaying the Master Guide
29 Features of the Master Guide
30 Moving Through the Master Guide
32 Selecting a Program from the Guide
33 Selecting Program Guides and Lists By Category
35 Selecting the Custom Guide
36 Using the Station Index
38 Selecting the Favorite Station Guide
39 Selecting Other (Program Provider) Guides
40 Using DISPLAY and JUMP
41 Selecting Alternate Audio
42 Canceling Purchases
43 Checking Your Purchase Record
44 Setting Up the Timer
47 Reading Your Messages
Chapter 5
Using the Custom Setup Menu
49 Overview
50 Displaying the Custom Setup Menu
51 Setting Up a Favorite Station Guide
53 Setting a Default Language
54 Setting Locks and Limits
59 Setting Up a List of Custom Stations
61 Selecting Data Services
Chapter 6
Appendix
Using the Installation Menu
63 Overview
64 Displaying the Installation Menu
65 Setting Up the Satellite Antenna
66 Replacing Your Access Card
68 Setting the Aspect Ratio
69 Setting Up the Remote Control
72 Running a System Test
Other Information
74 Location and Function of Controls
76 Using the Remote Control
79 Programming the Remote
82 Using the Learn Function
83 Troubleshooting
86 Precautions
87 FCC Regulations and Information
88 Limited Warranty
89 Specifications
Contents
90 Index
Chapter 1
Introducing the
D^S Features
DSS System
Welcome to the Sony brand DSS (Digital Satellite System), the ultimate
digital entertainment experience. Read this chapter for an overview of
the features of the system and to check the carton contents of the DSS
receiver. This chapter also describes how to insert batteries into the
remote control.
Here are just a few benefits of the DSS system that you'll enjoy:
Excellent Performance
□ Superior, digital-quality v'ideo that rivals the performance of most
laser-disc players.
□ Crisp digital-quality audio that will enhance your TV or home
theater experience.
Premium Entertainment
□ Choose from a variety of program packages available through your
program providers, DIRECTV® and USSB^'^’.
Convenience and Ease-of-Use
□ Order premium pay-per-view movies with the remote control. Pay-
per-view programs start as often as every 30 minutes, so you can
watch programs when you want to see them. To watch a program,
just use the remote to select it directly from the Master Guide.
□ Sony's Express Navigator™ on-screen display system guides you
through all the system features and functions.
□ Select from a variety of program guides that are sorted by program
categories, including Sports, Movdes, News, and more.
□ Use the Timer feature in coordination with your VCR's timer
recording function to automate the recording of DSS programs.
Customizable
□ Create a Custom Program Guide and up to three of your own
Favorite Station Guides for stations you watch most often.
□ Set up a passcode, which lets you set up spending limits and
control viewing of programs by rating and station.
□ Compatible with both 4:3 (standard) or 16:9 (widescreen) TVs.
Unpacking
Check to make sure you've received the following items in the DSS
receiver's carton:
Size AA Batteries
RF Coaxial Cable Phone Line
* The access card comes already inserted into the DSS receiver.
If you are missing items, contact the dealer from whom you purchased
the DSS receiver.
Audio/Video Cable
S-Video Cable
Note
Keep the original carton and packing materials to safely transport the system
in the future.
6 Chapter 1: Introducing the DSS System
Inserting Batteries into the Remote Control
Before you can use the remote control, you must first insert the
supplied batteries. If you want to use this remote control to operate
your TV, cable box, VCR, or laser-disc player, you must also program
the remote, as described in the Appendix on page 79.
To install the batteries:
1 Push and slide open the battery compartment.
2 Insert two size AA batteries (supplied). Be sure to line up the + and
- on the batteries with the + and - on the battery compartment.
Notes on Batteries
□ If the remote control does not operate properly, the batteries might
be worn out. When replacing batteries, replace both of them with
new ones, and do not mix different types of batteries together.
□ When you remove the batteries — to replace them, for example —
any codes you've set may be erased. If this happens, you must
reprogram the remote. See "Programming the Remote" on page 79
for details.
Chapter 1: Introducing the DSS System 7
Chapter 2
Using Basic Functions
You can start watching programs using just a few buttons on the
remote control. Here's an overview of the buttons you'll use most
often.
MUTING SLEEP CABLE TV
O Q CD o
FUWaiON
---------
TV/VIDEO TV/DSS iUMP
CD CD CD
® @ d
CABLE TV OSS
(CD CD CD)
ALTERNATE
AUDIO PAVORITE GUIDE
CD CD
DSS POWER Button
Turns the DSS receiver on and off.
GUIDE Button
Brings up the Master Guide.
4) ® (6
@ ® ®
s (0) o
Joystick
Moving the joystick up, down, left, right, and diagonally scrolls
through the Master Guide. Pressing the joystick selects the program
that's highlighted. When a program guide is not displayed, pressing
the joystick brings up the Station Index.
CH/PAGE Buttons
Changes the channel. When a program guide is displayed, pressing the
CH/PAGE buttons pages through the guide.
The following pages describe a quick start to using the Master Guide
and the Station Index.
Chapter 4 contains procedures for using all the system features.
Using the Master Guide
The Master Guide is the main program guide. It contains all the
programming that's available from your program providers, including
the programming to which you subscribe.
1 Press the GUIDE button to bring up the Master Guide.
Your Master Guide may not look
exactly like this. The stations displayed
depend on the program provider(s) you
select.
MASTER GUIDE
D I R E CT VL
PRESS -f- FOR
PURCHASE INFORMATION
WED
SH02987
MTV 989
COM 990
USSB999
DTV 100
DTV 102
DTV 105
T 8.00 PM
Boxing In the Line of Fire
Music Videos The Real World
Saturday Night Live
USSB Background
Direct Ticket Previews
Four Weddings and a Funeral |
Philadelphia
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Hugh Grant, Andie McDowell. A confirmed bachelor meets the
woman of his dreams at a friend's wedding and, for the first time,
contemplates the idea of marriage tor himself (CC, S) (A,S, L)
r8;30 PM r9:00 PM
WED OCT 5 8:45 PM
Monty Python...
Like Water for...
2 Move the highlight to the name of the program you want.
You'll hear the audio and see the video (in the background) of each
program as they are highlighted.
The table below lists the various ways in which you can move
around in the guide.
3 Press the joystick to select the highlighted program.
Moving Around In the Master Guide
To Do This ...
Go to other stations in the guide
one station at a time
Go to other time slots in the guide
Go to other stations in the guide
one "page" at a time
Go to a station directly
Return to the last station you were
watching
10 Chapter 2: Using Basic Functions
Press This Button
Move the joystick up and down
Move the joystick left and right to
move one time slot at a time.
Or press the GUIDE button
repeatedly to move ahead in time
quickly.
PAGE1> (CH+) and
PAGEJ3- (CH-) buttons
0-9 buttons
(to specify the station number)
EXIT button
Using the Station Index
You can use the Station Index to select a station by its station logo/call
letters (such as CNN), rather than its current program's name.
Note
Before you can bring up the Station Index, you must first clear the program
guide from your TV screen. Pressing EXIT removes all on-screen displays.
Also, you may need to change to another station if a message appears, which
requests that you press the joystick to purchase the program, etc.
Your Station Index may not look
exactly like this. The stations
displayed depend on the
programming you’ve ordered.
1 Press the joystick to bring up the Station Index.
STATION INDEX
206
216
corf 1
207 208^Ш209
Дт
хееяшь
a
220 222
Ш
°2iY‘
a
224 225 226
Ш
212В2'5
DISC TLC
1сйвйш51
1шЕШлЗКш1
СЭГ11
MUCH
227
Moving Around In the Station Index
USA
far WORK
TRIO ШШ
229
230 232
SBTNN
233 235 236 240
srac
Move the highlight to the station you want.
You'll hear the audio and see the video (in the background) of each
program, as they are highlighted.
The table below lists the various ways in which you can move
around in the Station Index.
Press the joystick to tune to the program that's playing on the
station you've highlighted.
To Do This ...
Go to other stations in the guide, one
station at a time
Go to other stations in the guide, one
"page" at a time
Go to a station directly
Press This Button
Move the joystick in any
direction
PAGEli (CH+) and
PAGEjjJ (CH-) buttons
0-9 buttons
(to specify the station number)
Return to the last station you were
EXIT button.
watching
Chapter 2: Using Basic Functions 11
Chapter 3
Connecting Your System
Read this chapter to set up your DSS receiver for the first time, or to
add or remove audio or video components connected to your system.
Overview
You can connect the DSS receiver in a variety of configurations. The
answers to the following questions will determine how you hook up
and operate your DSS receiver. For example:
□ Do you have cable TV or a broadcast (terrestrial) TV antenna?
□ What type of connectors do your TV and VCR have: S-VIDEO,
A/V (RCA-type), or RF coaxial?
□ Do you plan to integrate your DSS receiver with your audio or
video system?
General Recommendations
Control-S is disabled lohen receiver
is in RF ONLY mode.
Detailed hookup instructions are provided on the pages that follow.
For optimum audio and video performance, follow these general
recommendations as much as possible when hooking up your
components:
□ If you have an audio or audio/video system, consider integrating
the DSS receiver into a home entertainment configuration to take
advantage of your hi-fi system's audio capabilities.
□ If your TV has an S-VIDEO jack, use it to connect your TV to the
DSS receiver. An S-Video connection provides a better picture than
RCA-type video or RE connections.
□ If your TV doesn't have an S-VIDEO jack, use your TV's A/V
connectors to connect your components. An A/V connection
provides a better picture and audio when compared to an RE
connection.
□ If you have other Sony components that include CONTROL-S
jacks, you can cormect these components via their CONTROL-S
jacks in order to pass remote control signals between the DSS
receiver and these components. This allows you to hide
components behind cabinet doors.
13
TV Only
TV With RF Connector Only
Some TVs label this jack RF IN,
instead of VHF/UHF IN.
Refer to the illustration below.
1 Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna's LNB to the DSS
receiver's SATELLITE IN jack.
2 Connect the DSS receiver's VHF(SAT)/UHF OUT jack to the TV's
VHF/UHF IN jack.
Note
A VHF/UHF connection does not provide stereo sound. To receive stereo
sound, you must use an A/V connection (described on page 15).
3 Connect one end of the telephone line cord to the DSS receiver's
TEL LINE jack. Connect the other end to your home's modular
telephone outlet.
4 Connect one end of the AC power cord to the DSS receiver's AC IN
jack. Connect the plug end to an AC outlet.
1
RG-6 Cable
from LNB
2
Coaxial
Cable
Optional Connections
□ If you have a cable input, cable box, or a terrestrial TV anterma,
connect it to the DSS receiver's VHF/UHF IN jack.
□ To connect the DSS receiver to your audio system, use audio cables
to connect the DSS receiver to your audio receiver's AUDIO IN
jacks.
14 Chapter 3: Connecting Your System
TV With A/V Connectors
Refer to the illustration below.
1
Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna's LNB to the DSS
receiver's SATELLITE IN jack.
If your TV has only one AUDIO IN jack,
connect the lower (mono) AUDIO L jack
on the DSS receiver to the TV's AUDIO
IN jack.
Satellite Receiver
2
Connect the DSS receiver's A/V jacks to the TV's A/V IN jacks.
3
Connect one end of fhe telephone line cord to the DSS receiver's
TEL LINE jack. Connect the other end to your home's modular
telephone outlet.
Connect one end of the AC power cord to the DSS receiver's AC IN
jack. Connect the plug end to an AC outlet.
Some TVs label tliis jack RF IN,
instead of VHF/UHF IN.
Optional Connections
□ If you have a cable input, cable box, or a terrestrial TV antenna,
connect it to the TV's VHF/UHF IN jack.
□ Best Connection: If your TV has an S-VIDEO jack, use an S-VIDEO
cable to connect the DSS receiver's S-VIDEO jack to the TV's SVIDEO IN jack. This provides the best picture quality. Then use
audio cables to connect one set of the DSS receiver's audio jacks to
the TV's AUDIO IN jacks.
□ To connect the DSS receiver to your audio system, use audio cables
to connect the DSS receiver to your audio receiver's AUDIO IN
jacks.
Chapter 3: Connecting Your System 15
TV and VCR
Refer to the illustration on the opposite page.
Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna's LNB to the DSS
1
receiver's SATELLITE IN jack.
2 Connect the DSS receiver's A/V jacks to the A/V IN jacks on the
the TV and VCR. If your VCR has only one AUDIO IN jack
(monoaural VCR), connect it to the lower (mono) AUDIO L jack on
the DSS receiver.
Some VCRs and TVs label this jack RF
IN, instead of VHF/UHF IN.
3 Connect the DSS receiver's VHF(S AT)/UHF OUT jack to the VCR's
VHF/UHF IN jack.
4 Complete one of the following to connect the VCR to the TV;
□ Better Connection: If both your TV and VCR have A/V jacks,
connect the VCR's A/V OUT jacks to the TV's A/V IN jacks.
□ Good Connection: If your TV or VCR has only an RF jack,
connect the VCR's VHF/UHF OUT jack to the TV's VHF/UHF
IN jack.
5 Connect one end of the telephone line cord to the DSS receiver's
TEL LINE jack. Connect the other end to your home's modular
telephone outlet.
6 Connect one end of the AC power cord to the DSS receiver's AC IN
jack. Connect the plug end to an AC outlet.
Optional Connections
□ If you have a cable input, cable box, or a terrestrial TV antenna,
connect it to the DSS receiver's VHF/UHF IN jack.
□ Best Connection: If your TV has an S-VIDEO jack, use an S-VIDEO
cable to connect the DSS receiver's S-VIDEO jack to the TV's
S-VIDEO IN jack. This provides the best picture quality. Then use
audio cables to connect one set of the DSS receiver's audio jacks to
the TV's AUDIO IN jacks.
□ To connect the DSS receiver to your audio system, use audio cables
to connect the DSS receiver to your audio receiver's AUDIO IN
jacks.
Note
When watching a program that is protected by Macrovision, turn the VCR off
to ensure a quality picture.
16 Chapter 3: Connecting Your System
Chapter 3: Connecting Your System 17
Hi-Fi TV, Hi-Fi VCR, Audio Receiver
Refer to the illustration on the opposite page.
1
Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna's LNB to the DSS
receiver's SATELLITE IN jack.
2
Connect the DSS receiver's audio OUT jacks to the audio receiver's
audio IN jacks.
3
Connect the DSS receiver's A/V jacks to the VCR and TV's A/V IN
jacks.
4
Connect the DSS receiver's VHF(SAT)/UHF OUT jack to the VCR's
VHF/UHFINjack.
5
Complete one of the following to connect the VCR to the TV:
□ Better Connection: If both your TV and VCR have A/V jacks,
connect the VCR's A/V OUT jacks to the TV's A/V IN jacks.
□ Good Connection: If your TV or VCR has only an RF jack,
connect the VCR's VHF/UHF OUT jack to the TV's VHF/UHF
IN jack.
Connect one end of the telephone line cord to the DSS receiver's
TEL LINE jack. Connect the other end to your home's modular
telephone outlet.
Some VCRs label this jack RF IN,
instead of VHF/UHF IN.
Connect one end of the AC power cord to the DSS receiver's AC IN
jack. Cormect the plug end to an AC outlet.
Optional Connections
□ If you have a cable input, cable box, or a terrestrial TV antenna,
connect it the VCR's VHF/UHF IN jack.
□ Best Connection: If your TV has an S-VIDEO jack, use an S-VIDEO
cable to connect the DSS receiver's S-VIDEO jack to the TV's
S-VIDEO IN jack. This provides the best picture quality. Then use
audio cables to cormect one set of the DSS receiver's audio jacks to
the A/V receiver's AUDIO IN jacks.
Note
VJhen watching a program that is protected by Macrovision, turn the VCR off
to ensure a quality picture.
18 Chapter 3: Connecting Your System
Chapter 3: Connecting Your System
Home Entertainment System
(Hi-Fi TV, Hi-Fi VCR, Audio/Video Receiver)
Refer to the illustration on the opposite page.
1
Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna's LNB to the DSS
receiver's SATELLITE IN jack.
2
Connect the DSS receiver's A/V jacks to the VCR and A/V
receiver's A/V IN jacks.
3
Connect the VCR's A/V OUT jacks to one set of the A/V receiver's
A/V IN jacks.
4
Connect the A/V receiver's MONITOR OUT jack to the TV's
VIDEO IN jack.
5
Connect one end of the telephone line cord to the DSS receiver's
TEL LINE jack. Connect the other end to your home's modular
telephone outlet.
Connect one end of the AC power cord to the DSS receiver's AC IN
jack. Connect the plug end to an AC outlet.
Optional Connections
Some VCRs label this jack RF IN,
instead of VHF/UHF IN.
□ If you have a cable input, cable box, or a terrestrial TV antenna,
connect it the VCR's VHF/UHF IN jack.
□ Best Connection: If your TV has an S-VIDEO jack, use an S-VIDEO
cable to connect the DSS receiver's S-VIDEO jack to the TV's
S-VIDEO IN jack. This provides the best picture quality. Then use
audio cables to connect one set of the DSS receiver's audio jacks to
the A/V receiver's AUDIO IN jacks.
Note
In this configuration, the A/V receiver must he turned on in order to pass the
video signals through to your TV. When watching a program that is protected
by Macrovision, turn the VCR off to ensure a quality picture.
20 Chapter 3: Connecting Your System
Chapter 3: Connecting Your System 21
Setting Up the RF Antenna
The RF antenna lets you take advantage of the RF (radio frequency)
feature, which enables the remote control to operate the DSS receiver
even if the receiver is located in another room. In other words, with the
RF feature, the remote control does not require a direct line-of-sight to
the front panel of the DSS receiver.
Note
You must set up the RF antenna only if you plan on taking advantage of the
RF feature.
To set up the RF antenna:
1 Connect the RF antenna to the DSS receiver's RF REMOTE jack.
2 Place the RF antenna at least one foot away from the DSS receiver.
Note
Do not place the RF antenna directly
on top of the DSS receiver or near
other metal objects. For best result,
place the RF antenna in a visible
location.
3 Use the on-screen displays to set up the DSS receiver to accept RF
transmission (RF ONLY). See "Setting Up the Remote Control" on
page 69 for details.
The DSS receiver is shipped with IR reception enabled and RF
reception disabled. To use the RF feature, you must first change the
factory setting (IR ONLY) to the RF setting (RF ONLY) using the on
screen displays, as described on page 69.
Note
The operating range of the DSS
remote control is about 100 ft. This
may decrease due to ambient radio
wave conditions, your room's walls,
etc.
Optional Setup
□ The RF antenna can be mounted to a wall using the enclosed
screws or by using two pieces of double-sided tape (supplied).
22 Chapter 3: Connecting Your System
Setting Up Your DSS System
Viewing Satellite Programs
Viewing Cable or
Off-Air Programs
Recording Satellite
Programs While Watching
Cable or Off-Air Programs
1 Turn on the TV, and then set the TV's line input to the DSS receiver.
(For example, set the TV to channel 3 or 4, if you used an RF
connection; or set to VIDEOl, etc., if you used an A/V connection.)
2 Turn on the VCR and A/V receiver, if you connected these
components. Then set their output switches accordingly.
3 Turn on the DSS receiver and select a station.
Note
The following instructions apply only if you connected your cable TV or
terrestrial antenna to your DSS receiver.
1 Turn off your DSS receiver, or press the TV/DSS button to set the
DSS receiver to TV mode (DSS indicator on the front panel is off).
2 Turn on the TV and then:
□ If you have a cable box, turn it on and then tune the TV to the
output channel of your cable box, usually channel 3 or 4.
□ If you don't have a cable box, just tune your TV to the station
you want to watch.
Note
The following instructions apply only if you connected your cable TV or
terrestrial antenna to your DSS receiver.
1 Turn on the TV and then:
□ If you have a cable box, turn it on and then tune the TV to the
output channel of your cable box, usually channel 3 or 4.
□ If you don't have a cable box, tune your TV to the station you
want to watch.
2 Turn on the DSS receiver, and tune to the program you want to
record. Then set the VCR to line input, and start recording,
according to your VCR's instruction manual.
3 Press the TV /DSS button to set the DSS receiver to TV (DSS
indicator on the front panel is off).
The DSS receiver's signal is sent to the VCR, while the off-air signal is
sent to your TV for you to watch.
Note
For information on using the DSS receiver's automatic timer, see "Setting Up
the Timer" on page 44.
Note
You cannot record one satellite program while watching another satellite
program (unless you have a second DSS receiver). When watching a program
that is protected by Macrovision, turn the VCR off to ensure a quality picture.
Chapter 3: Connecting Your System 23
Chapter 4
Using the System Features
Read this chapter to learn how to use system features including the
Master program guide, Station Index, Favorite Station Guide, and the
ordering of pay-per-view programs.
Overview
This chapter provides detailed instructions for using most of the
features of your DSS receiver. Topics include:
□ Checking to make sure your system is completely set up and ready
to be used (page 26).
□ Using Highlight and Select, the simple, two-step process for
operating all the on-screen displays (page 27).
□ Displaying and navigating through the Master Guide (page 28).
□ Selecting subscription and pay-per-view programs from the
program guides (page 32).
□ Choosing from the two program guide formats. Guide and List,
and selecting special program guides sorted by category and
subcategory (page 33).
□ Using the Custom Guide (page 35).
□ Using the Station Index (page 36).
□ Using the three Favorite Station Guides (page 38).
□ Using other (program provider) guides (page 39).
□ Displaying the Program Barmer and using the JUMP feature
(page 40).
□ Selecting an alternate audio track for the program you're currently
watching (page 41).
□ Canceling pay-per-view programs you've ordered (page 42).
□ Checking your pay-per-view purchase record (page 43).
□ Setting the automatic timer (page 44).
□ Reading mail messages sent to your DSS receiver (page 47).
25
Before You Get Started ...
Make sure you (or your DSS system installer) have completed the
following procedures before you start using your DSS receiver:
1 Install the satellite anteima, as described in the Satellite Antenna
Note
Make certain that you (or your DSS system installer) have optimized the
signal strength. If the signal is not optimized, you may experience losses in
audio or video, especially during rain, snow, or other conditions that tend to
degrade signal performance. See the Satellite Antenna Installation Manual for
details on pointing the dish and optimizing the antenna's signal strength.
2 Cormect the satellite antenna to your DSS receiver. Then connect
Note
Your phone line must be connected to the DSS receiver in order for you to
purchase a pay-per-view program with the DSS remote control.
3 Make sure the access card is inserted into the DSS receiver. The
Installation Manual.
the receiver to your television and telephone line. (See Chapter 3.)
receiver comes with the card already inserted. (See page 66 for
details on inserting the access card.)
If Your System is Not
Completely Installed...
4 Call your program providers (DIRECTV and USSB) to activate
your service. You'll need to provide information, including the
model and serial numbers of your DSS receiver and the access card
number.
DIRECTV® 1-800-DIRECTV (347-3288)
USSB 1-800-204-USSB (8772)
See the manual that came with the satellite antenna and Chapter 3 of
this manual for complete installation instructions. Or, see your DSS
dealer to arrange for a professional installation or the purchase of the
Sony-brand DSS Installation Kit.
26 Chapter 4: Using the System Features
i
Using the On-Screen Displays: Highlight and Select
All of the features and functions of the DSS receiver can be operated
using a simple, two-step process: Highlight and Select. These two steps
are explained below.
Step 1; Highlight
□ To highlight, move the joystick on the remote to move the on
screen to the item that you want to select.
Step 2: Select
□ After you've highlighted the item that you want, select it by
pressing the joystick.
Example: Highlight and Select
1 In the sample menu that follows, moving the joystick up moves the
highlight from ITEM 5...
Tip
In many of the on-screen displays you
can move the joystick in eight
directions: left, right, up, down, and
diagonally (up left, up right, down
left, and down right).
SAMPLE MENU
ITEMI
ITEM 4 ITEMS
ITEM 2
ITEMS
ITEMS
______________
ITEM?
ITEMS ITEM 9
... to ITEM 2.
1 SAMPLE MENU
ITEM 1
ITEM 4
ITEM?
ITEM 2
ITEM 5
ITEMS
ITEMS
ITEMS
ITEM 9
2 Pressing the joystick selects ITEM 2.
You can apply this basic operation of highlighting and selecting to
perform any of the system's functions.
Chapter 4: Using the System Features 27
Displaying the Master Guide
You can select programs using the CH+ and CH- buttons, or you can
enter the station number directly using the 0-9 buttons. However,
because DSS offers you such a variety of programming choices, you'll
get the most out of the system by using one of the on-screen program
guides to find the programs you want to watch.
The Master Guide, the main program guide, lists all the programs
being offered by your program providers, including regular programs
and pay-per-view events.
To display the Master Guide:
□ Press the GUIDE button on the remote
OR
□ Press the MENU button to bring up the Main Menu. To display the
Master Guide, highlight and then select MASTER GUIDE from the
menu.
Tip
You can select menu items directly by
pressing the corresponding number
button. For example, press 2 to select
the Master Guide.
The EEE symbol indicates that this
selection has a submenu that contains
additional selections.
MAIN MENU
SELECT
GUIDE 1
MOVIES
GUIDE 4
OTHER
GUIDES 7
MASTER
GUIDE 2
EXIT 5
CUSTOM
GUIDE 8
SELECT
LIST 3
MOVIES
LIST 6
SYSTEM MENU
■SS 9
The Master Guide is discussed in more detail on the following pages.
28 Chapter 4: Using the System Features
Features of the Master Guide
When you select the Master Guide from the Main Menu or press the
GUIDE button on the remote, the Master Guide appears:
Program Guide Title ■
Station Logo ■
Schedule Grid •
MASTER GUIDE
OIRECTVt
PRESS Ч- fOR
PURCHASE INFORMATION
WED
SH02987
MTV 989
COM 990
USSB999
DTV 100
DTV 102
DTV 105
8:00 PM
Boxing
Music Videos
Saturday Night Live
USSB Background
Direct Ticket Previews
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Philadelphia
WED OCT 5 8:45 PM
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Hugh Grant, Andie McDowell. A confirmed bachelor meets the
woman of his dreams at a friend's wedding and, for the first time,
contemplates the idea of marriage for himself. (CC, S) (A,S, L)
r8:30 PM
r9:00 PM
- Day, Date, Time
. Program
Description
In the Line of Fire
The Real World
Monty Python...
- Page Indicator
Like Water for...
Program guides, such as the Master Guide shown above, feature a
variety of elements, including:
□ Program guide title, such as Master Guide, Movie Guide, Sports
Guide, etc.
□ Current day of the week, date and time.
□ Station logo (when available) and program description of the
currently highlighted station.
□ Schedule grid, which includes:
□ Station names, numbers, and program titles. These appear in
ascending numerical order from top to bottom.
□ Time slots. These appear left to right, with the current time's
programming in the leftmost position.
□ Page indicator. This shows you approximately which page
you're on, relative to all the pages in the guide. The size of the
indicator is proportional to the overall size of the entire
program guide.
Chapter 4: Using the System Features 29
Moving Through the Master Guide
The on-screen program guides are displayed only one page at a time.
Because the program guide usually contains many pages, you need to
move through the guide to see more of the programs contained in the
guide. You can move by scrolling, paging, and direct station tuning.
Scrolling
Paging Vertically
Through the Stations
Paging Through Later
Program Start Times
To scroll, use the joystick to move the highlight one position at a time.
You can scroll to different stations or time slots.
To move to other stations in the guide one station at a time:
□ Move the joystick up and down.
To move to other time slots in the guide:
□ Move the joystick left and right.
To page, use the PAGE buttons to move through the guide a page at a
time. This allows you to move through the guide more quickly than
scrolling.
To page through the guide:
□ Press the PAGE Ij" and PAGE >0' buttons.
The PAGEIj button pages in the up direction. The PAGE-0- button
pages in the down direction.
To display future time slots in the guide:
□ Press the GUIDE button.
Pressing the GUIDE button repeatedly cycles through all the available
time slots in the guide as they are made available by your program
providers (for example, THU 3:00 PM, THU 10;00 PM, FRI 3:00 AM,
etc.).
Note
To select a future program guide directly, press the MENU button and then
select OTHER GUIDES. See page 39 for details.
Direct Station Tuning
To move to a station directly:
□ Press the 0-9 buttons to specify the station number. Press the
ENTER button to change the station more quickly.
30 Chapter 4: Using the System Features
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